The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-06-08
THE BRITANNIA CELTIC COLLISION.
A Naval Court Endeavors to Obtain the Facts
in the Case-Testimony of the Captains.

NEW YORK, June IA naval court-martia
was commenced. this morning. before acting
Consul Hoare, to inquire into the cause of the
collision between the Celtic and Britannia. both
belonging to the White Star Line Steamship
Company, whereby much damage done and
many lives were imperiied The following were
the mem ners of the court of inquiry: VIM.
Robert Hoare, Captain McMicken, of the Um-
bria: Capt John B. Purvis and Capt Fred
Archer. of the Tower Hill Captain Perry, os
the Britannia, the first witness. He said
the collision occurred about $40 miles from New
York. The weather had been fair up to within
short time of the collision. He continued:
II did not hear the Celtic's whistle until few
moments before struck, which at $50 P.
NJ The IL terval between hearing the whistle
and seeing the Celtic did not exceed half min
ute. I only heard the whistle once. There was
wind. and the Britannia going fifteen
knots. There was nothing unusual in going at
such speed in such weather. The rate of speed
was Immediately decreased, man was stationed
at the whistle, and extra lookouts put. We
were shut in thick fog, which closing in
upon us. Second Officer Mckenzie and Fourth
Officer Leggett were IL . bridge in charge at
the time. and was in the en- art-room. We were
In clear water within a few moments of the time
of the collision. The sound of the whistle, which
was heard about seven minutes before striking,
appeared to be about seven miles distant Did
not think the vessel was the Celtic. When saw
the boat three points away our port side
I rang Eve times. which meant full speed.
do the best you can. and endeayored to clear the
Celtic. Half minute after seeing the Celtic the
collision occurred / did not consider the fog
such as to require decrease of speed. Imme-
diately after the collision it was reported to
that No 4 compartment was full of water The
first orders given were Stations every body
man the boats women first One hundred and
eight persons were transferred to the Celtic.
Sixty we're women and children and the
mainder men. My behaved very we'll
The captain of the Celtic arranged TO stay by
ma shran ah nd Oh
were injured, belonging to the Britannia. They
were lying on deck, basking in the sum- The
killed were decently buried at sea. and the in
iured brought to New York.
Frederick Sturgs. of New York passenger
on the Britannia, the next witness. He
said it was not fogcy before the collision for an
is the vessel went now and then into light
clouds. Toward 5 o'clock the weather looked
darker in advance. After o'clock we heard
fog whistle in the distance. At the same time
the lookout signal the bridge. At the
me moment officer stepped from the bridge
to the chart-room, and Captain Perry came out
A gain heard the whistle which appeared to be
passing away. At that moment a mast appeared
on the port bow, and saw the name Celtic In
another moment they collided. At first did not
expect a collision
James Bennett Mckenzie was sworn and said
he second officer of the Britannia, and had
charge of the steamer at the time of the acct
dent He was at tea when the first whistle was
heard; the fourth officer the bridge, and
really in charge. 81 went below at 5
O'CLOCK, wn0n 1t was clear; when came on Geek,
twenty minutes after, 1t was hazy, but could
see from two to three miles away. The fog
came right down could two miles
away when the first whistle was heard. The
ship going from thirteen TO fourteen knots.
When came out ordered the fog whistle at
minute intervals. The whistle not being
blown when [ came deck. This
than five minutes before the collision. The
first whistle heard was minutes before the
collision. seven minutes before the vessel was
seen. On first hearing the whistle / ordered
the helm to port The first whistle was slightly
the port bow Finally the captain said.
Bring her up to the course again. When [
first saw the Celtic she was three fourths of
mile away. We gave signals to show that our
The order was given to gre short blasts, signi-
flying port helm"
Captain Perry Interrupted the witness, saying:
Il don't believe the order was given"
The Celtics signals in answer" said the wit
ness, '1sienified starboard helm. The Britannia
headed south southeast. and the Celtic about
southwest at the time of the collision"
Horace Leggett, fourth officer next
amined The whistle heard the star
board, and the fog was coming on thick he
sent for the second officer at once We gave a
signal to show what course we were taking but
cannot say what the signal was.
Joseph Coleman, who was on the lookout, was
the next witness. He testified to it being foggy,
and said that he heard four whistles in ALL three
before the Celtic She could not De
made out at $50 yards distance
Captain Perry said he heard what he thought
was fog whistle, which he suggested might
have come from some unknown vessel, and thus
msled himself and Captain Irving The two
captains corroborated all essential
points by their officers and men, who testified.
Decision will be rendered on Thursday next